Africell Sierra Leone starts SIM-based online child protection service Kidzonet
SIERRA LEONE 9 JAN

Africell Sierra Leone starts SIM-based online child protection service Kidzonet

Africell Sierra Leone has launched a SIM-based online child protection service called Kidzonet to enable parents and guardians to manage and track their child's social media and online content consumption. Kidzonet operates directly at SIM level, letting parents activate and manage content controls. It filters and blocks content considered inappropriate for minors but leaves standard voice calls and SMS unaffected. 

LINX outlines 2026 service portfolio and fee changes
UNITED KINGDOM 9 JAN

LINX outlines 2026 service portfolio and fee changes

The London Internet Exchange (LINX) has announced its service portfolio and fees for 2026, detailing changes that affect peering capacity and the bandwidth included with membership. Under the new portfolio, members using 100 GE port access networks will be able to consume 10 Gbps of peering on a 100 GE port. LINX has also increased the amount of service bandwidth included in the monthly membership fee from 2 Gbps to 4 Gbps on a 10 GE port. 

RTL+ to offer new bundle with HBO Max at launch in Germany
GERMANY 8 JAN

RTL+ to offer new bundle with HBO Max at launch in Germany

RTL+, the streaming service of German private broadcaster RTL, will combine its offering with that of HBO Max for the launch of the streaming service from Warner Bros in Germany on 13 January. RTL+ and HBO Max will offer subscribers two options, one including RTL+ Premium and HBO Max Basic with advertising for EUR 11.99 per month, and a second option including RTL+ Premium Max, its ad-free subscription, and HBO Max Standard for EUR 17.99 per month.

Vodafone Czechia introduces new convergent offer Giga Kombo
CZECH REPUBLIC 8 JAN

Vodafone Czechia introduces new convergent offer Giga Kombo

Vodafone Czech Republic has introduced a new fixed-mobile convergent offer called Giga Kombo, giving customers who take multiple services discounts of up to 30 percent discount on the subscriptions. The new offer applies to a whole range of services from Vodafone, including the new BezLimit and Black mobile tariffs, plus their Extra variants, as well as fixed broadband (including fixed wireless) and the Vodafone TV+ service. By combining the above services, a total of four levels of benefits can be achieved

Xiaomi unwraps 5G-capable Poco M8, M8 Pro handsets
GLOBAL 8 JAN

Xiaomi unwraps 5G-capable Poco M8, M8 Pro handsets

Xiaomi has launched the latest iteration in its budget to mid-range Poco M smartphone line-up. Poco M8 and M8 Pro 5G both support 5G mobile services straight out of the gate, whereas last year's Poco M7 was available in 4G-only versions as well as 5G. Poco M8 and M8 Pro will retail at a list price of EUR 269.90 and EUR 349.90, respectively. A limited-time EUR 60 discount is available on Xiaomi's online storefront until 14 January. In the UK, the RRP is GBP 229 for the M8 5G and GBP 309 for the M8 Pro 5G, re

Entel to compensate over 2 mln clients for improper charges
CHILE 8 JAN

Entel to compensate over 2 mln clients for improper charges

Chile's consumer protection authority Sernac said operator Entel has agreed to compensate subscribers affected by improper non-renewals of contracts and offers of new contracts that took effect on 01 January 2023. Under the voluntary collective procedure, Entel will pay a total of CLP 8,500,243,960 to over 2.63 million consumers of mobile, fixed and pay-TV telecommunications services for unilaterally terminating contracts and immediately setting up new ones without customer consent. 

Oppo A6x goes on sale in Kenya
KENYA 8 JAN

Oppo A6x goes on sale in Kenya

Oppo Kenya has announced the launch of its new Oppo A6x handset and highlighted a reliable battery life, smooth performance and "immersive" display. The smartphone is available for purchase at KES 15,999 for the 4+128GB variant and KES 19,999 RRP for the 4+256GB one. Fredrique Achieng, PR manager at Oppo Kenya, said the phone is ideal for all-day use without the need for constant charging. It also features reverse wired charging with a rate of 5V and 1A for charging other mobile devices when the need arises

Vodafone Albania updates GigaFibra packages
ALBANIA 8 JAN

Vodafone Albania updates GigaFibra packages

Vodafone Albania is updating its GigaFibra packages for business customers, enhancing speeds and integrating security features. The GigaFibra Prime package now includes DDoS Protect Basic at no extra cost. GigaFibra Pro has been renamed GigaFibra Static, and GigaFibra Prime has become GigaFibra Protect. Current customers can keep their existing plans if they choose not to switch to the new portfolio when renewing their contracts. The speeds of the packages range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, priced from ALL 4.50

Odido increases FWA price by EUR 1 per month
NETHERLANDS 8 JAN

Odido increases FWA price by EUR 1 per month

Dutch operator Odido has increased the price of its fixed-wireless service 'Klik&Klaar' by EUR 1 per month for new subscribers, to EUR 26. Existing customers stay on the previous price. The higher price is part of a wider inflation-based price increase at the operator from the start of 2026. 

BBC starts paid app subscription in US
UNITED STATES 8 JAN

BBC starts paid app subscription in US

UK public broadcaster the BBC is launching a paid subscription for its mobile app in the US. This extends a subscription model started for its website in the US last June. The app costs USD 49.99 per year or USD 8.99 per month and includes unlimited access to BBC news and live streams, as well as an archive of documentary series and films. Additional premium content such as exclusive or early-release podcasts are planned in the coming months for paid subscribers.

MTN Ghana cuts tariffs for all products and services after VAT reforms
GHANA 8 JAN

MTN Ghana cuts tariffs for all products and services after VAT reforms

MTN Ghana has announced a reduction in tariffs for all its products and services following recent changes to the country's Value Added Tax (VAT) regime. In a public notice to customers, MTN assured subscribers that the cuts take immediate effect across its offerings. The operator advised customers to it its official website for further details on the revised tariffs.

T-Mobile US brings in 'Better Value' plan for families and small businesses
UNITED STATES 7 JAN

T-Mobile US brings in 'Better Value' plan for families and small businesses

T-Mobile US announced a new family plan called 'Better Value', also suitable for small businesses, that offers several mobile lines with unlimited data and streaming services plus a five-year price guarantee. It says existing T-Mobile customers upgrading their family plan with three or more lines from its existing Essentials offer can save over USD 50 a month thanks to included benefits such as entertainment, satellite and premium scam protection. Better Value is available for a limited period from 14 Janua

UNITED KINGDOM 7 JAN

Sky Mobile to raise prices by GBP 1.50 per month for existing customers

UK MVNO Sky Mobile announced plans to increase monthly prices for the majority of its existing customers by GBP 1.50 from 14 February. The company noted that this is the first price hike for in-contract customers in seven years, and it's also less than most other major mobile providers. Out-of-bundle tariffs will be unchanged. 

UKRAINE 7 JAN

Lifecell extends 2-year price freeze offer

Ukrainian operator Lifecell has extended its promotion for a two-year price freeze. Customers connecting to convergent tariff plans Lifeset L or Lifeset XL over the number porting by 15 February are offered the same subscription rate for two years.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 7 JAN

Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold sells out within minutes in third sales round

Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Z Trifold sold out within one to two minutes during its third sales round in South Korea, both online and in stores, according to Hankyung, citing the company and industry sources. Sales began at 10:00am on 6 January through Samsung.com and major retail locations, including Samsung Gangnam. Customers queued outside the Gangnam store ahead of opening, while online availability ended rapidly, with the purchase button disabled after about a minute.

JAPAN 7 JAN

SoftBank revises online fees, making eSIM procedures free

SoftBank announced it will revise administrative fees for certain online procedures, including SIM reissues and model changes without device purchases, effective 21 January 2026. Under the new structure, eSIM-related procedures will be free of charge. Fees for reissuing an eSIM or completing a model change using a customer-owned device will be eliminated, formalising what had previously been a temporary free arrangement.

AUSTRALIA 7 JAN

Foxtel's Kayo Sports increases streaming fees

Australian broadcaster Foxtel Group's streaming service Kayo Sports has told users its premium tier going from AUD 40 to AUD 45.99 a month from 5 February. The move follows a price increase in March last year that increased the tier, which offers two streams and 4K quality, from AUD 35 to AUD 40 per month. Kayo's standard tier, which offers one stream in HD, will decrease slightly to AUD 29.99 per month, but follows an increase from AUD 25 to AUD 30 in June last year.

POLAND 6 JAN

CrossMobile offers annual package for new customers

Polish MVNO CrossMobile started a promotion for new customers, offering an annual package including unlimited calls and SMS with VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling services plus 22 GB per month on the 5G network for PLN 100. The MVNO provides services on the Polkomtel network. 

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 6 JAN

M:tel BH combines roaming bundles and travel insurance

Bosnia and Herzegovina operator M:tel has launched a new service package combining roaming internet plans with travel insurance, accessible through the m:go application. Options can be customized for individuals or families, choosing the number of days, data amount, and travel destinations. This service is available to individual subscribers of m:tel's subscription tariffs.

BELARUS 6 JAN

A1 Belarus offers first month free on Kaspersky subscriptions

A1 Belarus is offering the premium subscriptions from Kaspersky free for a month for new customers connecting to Kaspersky Safe Kids and Kaspersky Plus for smartphones or the Kaspersky Plus option for fixed internet users. From the second month, Kaspersky Safe Kids will cost BYN 3.90 monthly, and Kaspersky Plus will be BYN 7.92.

NORWAY 6 JAN

TV 2 brings in 'More Football' bundle following rights deal with Viaplay

Norwegian broadcaster TV 2, part of Danish company Egmont, said subscribers to its 'TV 2 Play' streaming service now have the option of benefiting from TV 2's expanded football distribution agreement with Viaplay. For NOK 99 per month, they can bolt on the 'Mer Fotball' ('More Football') bundle to the existing 'TV 2 Play Favoritt' and 'TV 2 Play Total' packages.

GREECE 6 JAN

Cosmote refreshes business mobile plans with 'priority pass' network slicing option

Greek operator Cosmote Telekom has refreshed its business mobile plans. The Cosmote Business Gigamax range includes eight monthly subscriptions, with a choice of 3GB, 10GB, 20GB, 40GB and 80GB data or three unlimited data options, all with 5G+ speeds and unlimited calls. In addition, customers with advanced 5G devices can activate a 'priority pass' for reserved network capacity in crowded places for three hours, thanks to network slicing on the standalone 5G network. 

GLOBAL 6 JAN

TCL unveils Nxtpaper 70 Pro handset

TCL has officially introduced the Nxtpaper 70 Pro smartphone, the latest handset in its fourth-generation Nxtpaper line-up. Nxtpaper 70 Pro will go on sale in February across European markets, North America, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. The entry-level model with 256 GB of ROM and bundled accessories has a EUR 339 list price, while 512 GB of on-board storage costs EUR 389. TCL will also market add-on peripherals for the device, including a stand case bundled with its T-Pen stylus product.

UNITED KINGDOM 6 JAN

Quickline updates broadband pricing with minimum 200 Mbps speed

UK operator Quickline Communications has refreshed its broadband packages, moving from four to three options and setting 200 Mbps as the new minimum speed. This eliminates the previous 100 Mbps package from the Yorkshire-based alternative fibre operator. The new plans are Full Fibre 200 for GBP 24.99 per month, Full Fibre 500 for GBP 28.99 and Full Fibre 1000 for GBP 32.99. 

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Background

5 JAN 00:52

The week in telecom: Finnish security check, M&A completions and telco job cuts

23 DEC 2025 10:32

Netherlands TV-video market grows 2.6% in Q3 to EUR 759 mln

22 DEC 2025 00:25

The week in telecoms: YouTube, Instagram take on TV market and WBD rejects Paramount

15 DEC 2025 01:04

The week in telecom: Wi-Fi bolt-ons take off to boost broadband growth, video market works on consolidation